African American Theatre Program celebrates 25 years with gala

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts invites the public to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its African American Theatre Program at a fundraising gala Feb. 16.

“This event celebrates the tremendous impact the AATP has had in local, regional and national theater scenes over the last quarter century,” said program chair Kevin Gawley.

Founded in 1993, the AATP is committed to staging works, developing a broad audience and offering an in-depth curriculum focusing on African American theater. UofL’s AATP is the first and only program of its kind in the U.S., offering advanced coursework and a graduate certificate in African American theater.

The gala will be 7 p.m., at the University Club, 200 E. Brandeis Ave., and will include dinner, a silent auction and acting, dance and musical performances. Former AATP directors will be honored with the program’s Trailblazer Award including professor Baron Kelly, professor emeritus Lundeana Thomas and professor Nefertiti Burton, who is now theater arts chair at Howard University. Click here for tickets.

“This night gives us an opportunity to honor three former directors who are renowned scholars, artists and administrators in theater education and the theater profession,” said Johnny Jones, AATP director.

The AATP will next stage “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry April 11–14 and April 18–20 to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of the classic Broadway premiere.

For more information, contact Gawley at 502-852-8444 or kevin.gawley@louisville.edu.

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EDITORS NOTE: Pictures from the AATP’s recent production of “The Mountaintop” are available for download here.